Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Berrow Church of England Primary School on April 26, 2023, following its designation of serious weaknesses after a graded inspection in September 2022. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made by the school since the previous evaluation. The findings indicate that while the school remains inadequate and continues to have serious weaknesses, there have been some positive developments in its improvement journey.
The leadership structure of the school has undergone significant changes since the last inspection. The previous headteacher left, and the deputy headteacher temporarily took charge until an acting headteacher was appointed. This acting headteacher has now been confirmed as the permanent headteacher starting in September 2023. Additionally, there have been departures among teaching and support staff, which has contributed to a period of transition for the school.
The school is set to join The Priory Learning Trust in August 2023, with the local authority commissioning the trust to assist in the school’s improvement efforts during the transition. The inspection focused on the school’s actions in safeguarding, strategic planning, and curriculum development. Leaders have made a commendable start in addressing the urgent issues identified in safeguarding. The pace of change has increased since the involvement of the trust, which has prioritized safeguarding and fostered a culture where staff take ownership of child safety.
Staff training has improved, leading to more thorough and systematic recording of concerns. Leaders now maintain comprehensive records that provide a complete picture of each pupil, enabling timely and effective support. Changes have also been made to the school’s entry procedures to enhance safety, including strengthened visitor signing-in protocols and clear expectations regarding mobile phone and camera use. Statutory policies have been updated to align with government guidance, and ongoing training for staff is planned to ensure they remain informed about safeguarding practices.
Pupils report feeling safe in school, and many believe that the new behavior policy has positively impacted the school environment. However, while leaders monitor behavioral issues, they have yet to analyze trends in incidents to inform preventative measures. This area remains a focus for further improvement.
In terms of curriculum development, leaders recognize the need for a significant overhaul to ensure that pupils acquire and retain essential knowledge. Staff have been informed about the rationale behind the new curriculum, but the specific knowledge that pupils will learn is still being defined. Changes have begun in the reading curriculum, with older pupils now exposed to a wider range of texts, and a new phonics curriculum is set to be implemented in September 2023. Efforts are also underway to create a more organized and purposeful learning environment.
The action plans developed by leaders are clear and measurable, allowing governors to effectively support and challenge the school’s progress. There is a shared vision between leaders and governors, with initiatives underway to strengthen the school’s links to the church and enhance its Christian ethos. Despite the challenges faced, staff express optimism about the school’s direction and feel that their views are valued. The changes implemented have not adversely affected their workload, and well-being support has been provided.
The trust has played a crucial role in supporting the school across various areas, including leadership development and governor training. The adoption of the trust’s policies has facilitated improvements in safeguarding and reading instruction. Overall, while Berrow Church of England Primary School has made strides in its improvement journey, it remains in a phase of transition, with ongoing efforts required to address the identified weaknesses and enhance the educational experience for its pupils. The commitment to safeguarding, curriculum development, and staff support will be essential as the school continues to work towards achieving a higher standard of education.
